The Shadow
08-02-2013, 05:17 PM
Every year I spend countless time wondering how the Packers can best squeeze out a 53 man roster. And every year I agonize over the decisions that have to be made - and the good players that have to go.
Here is what i would consider to make best use of a 53 man roster :
1. John Kuhn : what exactly does Kuhn - or any fullback these days - do? Four things : pass protect for the quarterback, catch short swing passes, run about once or twice a game (mostly to try to catch the defense napping) and run really hard into the line attempting to clear a path for a running back.
Would it really be so difficult : to train a backup linebacker - who is the really about same size - to handle these chores? Could not a Francois or Lattimore catch a 5 yard toss? Slam into the line attempting to make a lane? Occasionally gain 2 yards up the middle? Learn to stop a blitzing safety?
For that matter, couldn't even a rotational DL like Mike Daniels learn to bang into the line to clear a lane?
If this could be done, another precious roster spot opens up.
2. The 'Blocking TE'. Exact same thing - do you really think a backup LB - or OL ccouldn't learn to run a 5 -10 yard pattern? And wouldn't a 300 lb. OL be a better blocker than a 250 lb TE?
I fully expect the Pack to keep 4 TE s this year - but again, reducing it by 1 opens another precious roster spot. Yeah, yeah, I know the backups seem to be good special teams guys - but LB s have the same amount of athleticism.
3. Long Snapper : Why on earth can't your backup Center be groomed as a Long Snapper?
ROSTER SPOTS!!!!!!
Here is what i would consider to make best use of a 53 man roster :
1. John Kuhn : what exactly does Kuhn - or any fullback these days - do? Four things : pass protect for the quarterback, catch short swing passes, run about once or twice a game (mostly to try to catch the defense napping) and run really hard into the line attempting to clear a path for a running back.
Would it really be so difficult : to train a backup linebacker - who is the really about same size - to handle these chores? Could not a Francois or Lattimore catch a 5 yard toss? Slam into the line attempting to make a lane? Occasionally gain 2 yards up the middle? Learn to stop a blitzing safety?
For that matter, couldn't even a rotational DL like Mike Daniels learn to bang into the line to clear a lane?
If this could be done, another precious roster spot opens up.
2. The 'Blocking TE'. Exact same thing - do you really think a backup LB - or OL ccouldn't learn to run a 5 -10 yard pattern? And wouldn't a 300 lb. OL be a better blocker than a 250 lb TE?
I fully expect the Pack to keep 4 TE s this year - but again, reducing it by 1 opens another precious roster spot. Yeah, yeah, I know the backups seem to be good special teams guys - but LB s have the same amount of athleticism.
3. Long Snapper : Why on earth can't your backup Center be groomed as a Long Snapper?
ROSTER SPOTS!!!!!!